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Friday, 12 July 2013

How you can contribute to senior driver safety

When we're asked to think of an age
group that most frequently comes to mind as being the most at risk of
involvement in motor vehicle collisions, the demographic that we
automatically think of is that of the adolescent driver—after all,
don't they pay the highest auto insurance premiums? However, there is
another age group that deserves just as much focus and attention when
it comes to education about improved driver safety: senior drivers.
In fact, while we know that there are many factors contributing to
the passing of persons over 65, most are surprised to learn that car
accidents are actually among the leading causes of death for such
persons. For this reason, it's important to create awareness around
these risks, and to implement strategies for minimizing those
dangers. What can you do to promote elderly driver safety?

Make sure the elderly driver in
question has access to a vehicle suited to their needs. Many
modifications can be made to basic models of most makes of cars to
facilitate driving for the elderly. These modifications are not a
matter of luxury, they're a matter of safety, because where the
driver's comfort and confidence are increased, so is their ability to
make and execute safe driving decisions on the road. The available
modifications for drivers with special needs run the entire gamut
from something as simple as cushions, to something as sophisticated
as hand controls, to everything in between, like pedal extensions.
Chances are, if you have a need, it can be met. Your insurance
provider should know of the options available to you for this sort of
customization, and should be able to recommend reliable providers of
these services.

Know the signs of a driver whose
safety is compromised by aging. There are tell-tale signs
that a person may be approaching the stage at which they are no
longer fit to drive. First and foremost among these is declining
vision. When vision is compromised, this can spell disaster on the
road—especially in adverse weather conditions, which diminish
visibility even further. Slow reflexes are another cause for concern.
Other indicators that it may be time to slow down include getting
lost on familiar routes, being pulled over for any type of traffic
violation, and having a physician or a relative explicitly express
concern over the driver's ability on the road.

Know how to talk to an elderly
driver whom you believe to be at risk. Expressing concern to
a loved one over their ability to drive is an extremely sensitive
task. There is much at play here: feelings of fear at the potential
loss of independence and freedom, resentment about their perceived
weakness, and depression over the inevitability of aging are all
common reactions whenever elderly persons are confronted with their
own decline. If such a conversation causes them to become too
agitated or upset, they will not take your concerns seriously, and
will continue putting themselves (and others) at risk. This is why
tact is crucial in such cases. Be sure that your words are carefully
chosen so as not to diminish the driver's sense of self-respect, and
to reflect that you are acting out of love and concern for their
well-being above all.